Lionel Messi has been missing in action in Inter Miami's last two matches due to injury, spending only 45 minutes on the pitch in their last five fixtures across competitions.
Now, ahead of the Herons' semifinal clash against Orlando City in the Leagues Cup, questions have surfaced about the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's availability for the upcoming game.
Along with Messi, Inter Miami also had Jordi Alba out of the squad in their last match after the 36-year-old suffered a knock on his right knee during their 2-1 win against Liga MX side Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals.
Messi and Alba returned to training with the rest of the squad on Tuesday ahead of Inter Miami's upcoming semifinal match, keeping the hope alive of the duo's return to the pitch. However, the Herons' assistant coach, Javier Morales, was not able to make any promises.
What did the Inter Miami assistant coach say about Leo Messi’s return from injury?
While addressing the press ahead of the upcoming match, Morales, who is filling in during head coach Javier Mascherano's suspension, mentioned that Messi and Alba did 'well' in training, and said,
"Jordi and Leo trained today; they did well, but we have to wait. With these kinds of injuries, you have to see how they feel later. Hopefully, we’ll be able to count on them," as per GOAL.
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Inter Miami defender Noah Allen spoke about seeing the Argentine icon in training and appeared to be optimistic about Messi's possible return to the pitch.
"He looks sharp. Messi is always hungry, like a 21-year-old kid, and he'll want to play. He’s in good shape, and even when injured, he stays in the gym and keeps working hard."
It remains to be seen if Messi is able to take the pitch in Inter Miami's Leagues Cup semifinal clash against Orlando City on August 27 at Chase Stadium.
Lionel Messi and Inter Miami news and related links
- Inter Miami vs. Orlando City Predicted starting XI, team news, injuries for Leagues Cup semifinal
- Lionel Messi injury update: Inter Miami star remains questionable for Leagues Cup
- Theo Walcott compares Arsenal teenage sensation with Lionel Messi